My kitten= 13wks, FeLV+. What nutrients are needed in her diet (%), and is any kitten food is best?

Question

My vet has recommend any premium kitten food but did not specify. I had my kitten on Purina One, then switched to Iams. Now she is not eatting. The vet did provide a sample of Science Diet. I reviewed the ingredients and nutrient percentages of the different brands; I am completely baffled. Are there standards (minimum and maximum) for pet foods so that I know which is best?

Answer 1

All of the foods that you have been suggested in other postings and by your vet are ALL considered low quality of the range of healthy pet foods. Purina, Whiskas, Iams, Science Diet, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, Pro Plan, Friskies, and on, all use FILLERS, BY-PRODUCTS and some (like the vet prescribed Science Diet) have cancer causing chemical preservatives.

Here is what you need to understand about recommend levels of nutrients in pet foods.

Guidelines suggest the following:
Protein - about 36%
Fat - about 10%
Moisture is about 10%
Carbohydrates - the rest

The big problems comes when you buy low quality food. For the sake of space I will use Science Diet to prove that vet foods are as bad as grocery store foods. Here are the ingredients of Science Diet:

-CHICKEN BY-PRODUCT MEAL (Should NOT be in pet food, chicken feet, feathers, bones, organs of disease or dying chicken not fit for human consumption, cats do not digest these)
-WHOLE GROUD CORN (should NOT be in pet food, low grade filler that cats do not digest)
-PORK FAT(for flavour only, cats do not digest pork)
-CORN GLUTEN MEAL (this is just the starchy residue left after corn is processed)
-BREWERS RICE (leftovers when grain is taken from the rice)
-FISH OIL (okay)
-FALXSEED (good, but far enough down the list that it probably does not add any nutrition)
-DRIED EGG PRODUCT (egg shells or undeveloped eggs not fit for human consumption)

So, this is Science Diet Kitten food. this food contains NO actual meat! Which really doesn't make sense seen as how cats are carnivores. It contains 33% protein according to the package which it gets from the corn and chicken by-products, HOWEVER, as I listed above, cats do not digest these ingredients so instead of actually getting 33% protein, they might only get 5-10% which is why cats get sick when fed low grade foods.

Iams, Purina, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, etc are ALL the same in the fact that they may contain the appropriate levels of protein and fat but the company hides the fact that cat can't actually digest the ingredients they use in their foods. A cheap marketing ploy to get consumers to buy their products.

Now, look at a Innova Cat food which is the HEALTHIEST pet food on the market.

-Turkey (highly digestible, fresh, human grade)
-Chicken Meal (highly digestible, "meal" means the water has been removed meaning your cat is getting more meat for your dollar)
-Chicken (highly digestible, fresh human grade)
-Potatoes (great source of carbs)
-Egg (100% digestbile protein source)
-Ground Barley (great carb)
-Chicken Fat (good digestible source of fat)
-Rice (great carb)
-Herring (great source of Omega 3/6 oils)
Sunflower Oil
-Apples (great)
-Carrots (great)
-Whole Pasteurized Milk (lactose free source of calcium for strong bones)
-Fish Oil (okay)
-Alfalfa Sprouts (great)

Because Innova has 36% Protein and the sources that they use are human grade 90-100% digestible, you know that your cat is getting the absolute best nutrition possible.

You need to stay away from mass "popular" brands and companies because they have dollar amounts in their minds and are challenged to produced the cheapest food and charge high prices. Smaller, family owned business tend to care more about pet health and nutrition and spend more money on the quality of their food rather then pumping into advertising.

So, GET AWAY FROM VET AND GROCERY STORE FOODS. They are low quality and harmful to your cats health.

Take care,

Answer 2

Since they gave you a sample, and your kitty won't eat it - I would call your vet and ask them for some alternative suggestions. There are several prescription foods available, and they should be able to suggest something, or tell you if a special (beyond kitten) food you should use.
If they don't tell you something specific, but just suggest a quality kitten food, I'd go with the Science Diet, Iams or Royal Chain - These are more expensive, but that's because there is more consistency in the recipe of ingredients. Things like Meow Mix, etc. vary the ratio of grains especially by what's cheapest that month. Some months it's corn - others wheat - that change in recipe may be hard on your little ones system.
But, again, checking with your vet would be the best place to start.
And, THANK YOU for adopting a "special needs" kitty - they are just as loving, and often are overlooked because ot their problem.

Answer 3

Purina is fine just add Brewers Yeast to the food. It is found in the health food section of your store. Or the bulk isle. I do hope your vet explained the life of a FLV cat. You are in for some sad times I am afraid. Best Wishes and good luck with your kitty.

Answer 4

My Maine Coon cat eats Whiskaz Cat Food. Its both nutritious and delicious for cats and kittens. My cat has been eating it for like ever and seems to love it. She meows exesively if i dont feed her enough. Im teeling you, she love it. You may also choose Purina Friskies, 99 Lives, Purina Deli Cat, Or if you have a finicky, picky eater- feed her/him-Fancy feast. Slightly less nutritious but has the best flavor ever.

Answer 5

pro plan is a good high quality food. i highly recommend it.
another good food is royal canin as well as science diet.

you shouldn't buy imas or eukunuva they do horrific experiments on animals.

Answer 6

friskes or iams